SOUTH FORK — Saturday evening, the South Fork Visitor Center in partnership with the South Fork Friends Foundation and the Rio Grande Club and Resort gathered at the Rickel Park Ice Skating Rink for the first of many Saturday Skate Nights.
Though snow was in short supply, the weather was just about perfect for an evening on the ice. South Fork Friends Foundation supplied warm food, Smore’s Kits and tasty beverages to people who ventured out into the chilling temps to hit the ice and skate the night away. A local DJ blasted some tunes and the night was deemed a wonderful success with more scheduled in the coming weeks.
The South Fork Visitor Center and the South Fork Friends Foundation devised the idea for the Saturday Night Skate event to bring fun and adventure to the slower days of winter in the small mountain town. Over the course of the summer, the ice-skating rink was revitalized through several generous donations and grants.
The two organizations are planning on hosting a skating event every Saturday from now until the weather deems the ice rink unfit for skating.
On Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rickel Park, the South Fork Chamber of Commerce is also hosting the inaugural Hockey on the Rio, a youth hockey tournament that will be followed by a Saturday Skate Night. Youth hockey enthusiasts aged 14 and under will engage in thrilling 3-on-3 gameplay across various age brackets. The Town of South Fork is assisting with this first-ever event.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and immerse themselves in the action while enjoying bonfires warming up the event. The tournament promises more than just hockey, with live DJ entertainment, local restaurants offering hockey-themed specials throughout the day, and a variety of attractions adding to the excitement.
“We want this to be a family centered event and we are excited to welcome youth hockey participants from Alamosa, South Fork and Creede. We will be playing a round robin style tournament with a three-on-three format. The winner of each age group will receive a customized hockey puck and a picture in the South Fork Tines,” said new South Fork Chamber of Commerce Administrator Renee LeSueur.
The South Fork Visitor Center will also host its Saturday Skate Night party after the tournament which will have bonfires, free skates for those who need them and sledding opportunities dependent on snow.
For updates, visit www.SouthForkChamber.com or follow the South Fork Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
